Czech Republic Overview

The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe and a member state of the European Union.
Those who travel to this small but historic country are certain to be pleased with the experiences available.
Home to castles, old towns, churches and monasteries, and 12 UNESCO historic sites, the Czech Republic is full of things to do and see.
It’s a terrific destination to travel to or to make part of a multi-country trip.
Indeed, landlocked, the Czech Republic can easily be added to a travel tour of Central Europe. Its border countries are Poland, Slovakia (of the former Czechoslovakia), Austria, and Germany.
Travel into the Czech Republic is as simple as crossing the border by train, bus, or car.
When in the Czech Republic, you’ll find a number of cities to travel to and explore. Among them is the capital city, Prague, home to fabled townships like Old Town, Josefov, and New Town, as well as historical sites like Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.
In the Czech Republic, you’ll find 12 monuments on the UNESCO Register of World Culture and Natural Heritage and given the country’s compact size, it would be difficult to find another where the concentration of such sights and sites is so high.
From Prague, you can travel to any one of the Czech Republic monuments in three hours or less (by car). Travel plans can easily be mapped out to fill the day, week, or longer.
There is much in the Czech Republic to learn of and discover.
In the cathedral town of Olomouc for instance, there exists the spectacular Baroque Trinity Column, which is Central Europe’s largest grouping of Baroque statuary.
Travel back in time with a visit to the medieval Bohemian town of Kutná Hora or see up close one of the country’s still-standing Gothic castles: Pernštejn, Bouzov, or Křivoklát.
It’s true, in the Czech Republic, you’ll not have to travel far to experience history and history-in-the-making.
In 2004, the Czech Republic joined the European Union and is continuing to grow its local economy, of which tourism is becoming each day more important.
Those who travel to the Czech Republic will also quickly find that beer is a big contributor to that said economy, as the country was actually the birthplace of modern beer. Though neighbor Germany is famed for its beers and steins, the Czech Republic is home to an incredible 470 types of beer of its own. As the national drink, it’s not surprising that beer is a complement to most every meal in the Czech Republic. When you travel here, be prepared to sample all kinds of barley-and-hops blends. The country’s pubs are for the most part strictly pubs, serving beer and beer snacks. In addition, Moravian wine is also a popular drink. This being said, keep in mind that the Czech Republic has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to alcohol and driving. You’re better off using bus travel or train travel to get around during your stay.
As for where to stay during your travel trip, the Czech Republic offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels and inns set in historic buildings, bed-and-breakfasts, ski resorts, and budget hostels. Speaking of lodgings, tourists new to the Czech Republic are sure to notice the Panelaks when they travel the country. These giant concrete block buildings are remnants of Communist rule and a reminder of the conditions under which the Czech Republic once found itself. Residents today make the most of them though, with some even being converted into more modern construction.
When you travel to the Czech Republic, be mindful that the country is still in the midst of transformation. Respect of this will go a long way in getting to know the locals better.
As for communication, the main languages are Czech and Slovak. Thus, it would help to learn a few common phrases before you travel; however, finding someone who speaks English should be possible in most cases, especially in bigger cities and tourist areas.
Note that the currency of the Czech Republic is not the Euro, but the koruna (crown, Kč), which is approximately 30Kč to one Euro and 42 Kč to one pound sterling. When you travel, it’s recommended that money not be exchanged on the street. Instead, banks are the best place to ensure accurate and fair rates.
Most stores do accept major credit cards: Visa and MasterCard.
Remember that banks are closed Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, and most stores are closed on Sunday, which makes it the perfect time to travel to the countryside, go sightseeing, or attend a town festival or musical concert. The climate of the Czech Republic is overall temperate, with four seasons to enjoy. Given the country’s relatively mild weather conditions, travel plans should not be impacted by the time of year – unless you’re visiting specifically for a winter ski trip or warm summer getaway.